Monday, December 28, 2009

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year. The boys had fun and enjoyed being held by all of the family. This of course led to issues when it was just me at home again, attempting to get them back on a routine, but I digress. We were fortunate enough to be able to stay home all day and everyone came to us. We didn't have to worry about taking the babies out to 3 different places to visit all of our parents. We had Christmas with my dad and step mom first, my mom came over next, and we finished off the day with James' family. We were so blessed with all of the fantastic gifts....it's always nice to get boxes of diapers and containers of baby formula when you go through it twice as fast!!!!!! Thank you to everyone!

Saturday was James' 28th birthday. We spent the early afternoon at home then went to a movie with his family and dinner with his family and mine. Papaw & Mamaw (my dad & stepmom) watched the boys during the movie, met us at the restaurant so we could all have dinner together, then took them home after cake & presents so that we could have a night to ourselves. That's what James asked for as his birthday present. It was hard because it was my first night away from them, but it was nice to be able to sleep without sleeping light enough to hear the monitor. Of course we were up by 8 but we were able to get tons of laundry done and put away!

Friday, December 25, 2009

We have so much to be thankful for this year and Christmas is no exception. Ethan's surgery went well, other than a little bit clingy (which I don't mind at all and the dr said is a possibility) he seems to be feeling fine. Even though my uncle is not with us this Christmas, we have Ethan and Lucas and our family welcomed a 3rd baby, Anniston, shortly after the boys-we have so much to rejoice over. Of course most importantly is the birth of our Savior. We went to church yesterday afternoon and after spending the evening at Nana's house, we came home and read Twas the Night Before Christmas last night. This morning before we started with the festivities we made sure to stop and remember what we are truly celebrating, we read Luke 2:8-14. I want to make sure to do this every year with the boys. Once the boys are old enough, I plan to have us sing Happy Birthday too.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Poor Ethan is having surgery tomorrow morning. I mentioned this before, but it's a urology issue that needs to be corrected now-before he becomes mobile. With the end of the year approaching, we had to get this surgery done for insurance but we also had to wait until he was 6 months old because of the anesthesia. Unfortunately, it was scheduled for the day before Christmas Eve. Ethan wasn't circumcised because of this issue, so he'll also have that taken care of as well. I'm definitely not looking forward to seeing him come out of the anesthesia-we were warned that it's not going to be easy to see him freaked out. All I can do is pray it goes well and try not to get myself worked up (which I can do so easily). I'll be so happy once he's home and it's over!! Prayers would definitely be appreciated!!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

It is almost unreal to me how fast the time has gone. It is hard to imagine that 6 months ago today Ethan and Lucas entered our world and changed things forever. Half a year they've been here...it's just amazing. We have their 6 month checkup after Christmas so I'll post then all their stats and milestones then. For today, I'm just going to show off my sweet boys.

Monday, December 14, 2009

The boys do something every day that just makes me so proud. Yesterday was one of those days I was able to capture them both without them moving or stopping before turning the camera on. Grandma Susan brought over some Clementine oranges and put them on the table. After dinner, we were sitting at the table and Ethan took an interest in them. Once he got a hold of one, he had so much fun!

You might want to view without the volume because I'm laughing and Grandma Susan has some interesting commentary.

I try very hard not to be concerned with what the boys don't do and not to compare them to other babies. However, I have my moments where I do worry. Lucas decided to do something that completely surprised me but made me oh so proud. I've been trying to get them to sit up in tripod fashion but no such luck. Last night, Lucas took it upon himself to show us he's a big boy and can do just that. Grandma Susan is sitting behind him but he is not leaning on her in any way.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Venturing into the land of unswaddled babies was a journey we were very nervous to take. So to make the transition easier, we decided to go from swaddles to sleep sacks. I figured going from being constricted to being completely free would be too much at once. At least in the sleep sacks, they would still be somewhat limited in their movements. We tried that for about a week and a half a little over 2 weeks ago. Then one night they were being washed so we just decided to put them in sleepers and see if the freedom was too much. They slept through the night. Aside from needing to replace the pacy once or twice, they have been great at making it through the night. Sometimes when we go in to check on them or go in for their am feeding, Lucas will have scooted all the way up to the head of crib and it's so funny/cute. I need to get a picture of it. Overall, though, it has gone smoothly (surprisingly with two) and I'm glad to be free of the swaddles.

Two nights ago we decided to go from rice cereal to oatmeal. I was told it might be easier on their tummies. Lucas had gone 2 days without a dirty diaper so I called the peds office and was told to give prune juice. I didn't realize they could be given juice this early. I don't need to worry about him getting hooked on any sugar because he definitely didn't like it!! The little face he made when he realized it wasn't good was just so funny. They took just fine to the oatmeal. Seemed to eat it better than the rice. I don't know what, if much, the difference is between the two, but we'll be sticking to the oatmeal until we try veggies in a couple of weeks. Speaking of veggies, Santa will be bringing a food processor and book on how to make your own baby food. I figure since we'll have to buy twice the amount and since I'm home during the week, I'd like to try making it. If it works, good, if not, at least I'll have tried. I still need to do a bit more research on the process though.The boys have never really paid much attention to the dog, Bailey. Since they have become more responsive, they notice her more and more every day. Now when she trotts in the room, they immediately fixate on her and watch her go all around the room. Occassionally, they will reach out towards her. With Bailey, it's hit or miss. Some times she's interested, others she's not. Within the last two days or so, she's allowed them to touch/pet her, with our help of course. She likes sniffing them. If we're not too careful, she'll get in a lick or two. When it happens, the boys giggle. They are just fascinated with her. I'm glad. Bailey was our kid until the babies came home. She's not neglected, but she definitely hasn't gotten the attention she was used to or deserved. I think as they become more aware and mobile, she's going to be in for it :) I can already see they are going to enjoy chasing her around. I think she'll love it too!